The Boston Celtics, as currently constructed, are in a bit of a weird spot. Brad Stevens and the front office have been forced into retooling the roster after coming up short in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will be a playoff contender next year.
With guys like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet departing, and Jayson Tatum set to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season after he ruptured his Achilles in the postseason, Boston’s roster looks very different right now.
The front office doesn’t seem intent on fully rebuilding, but there’s a chance they could tank and angle for a higher pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. That way, when Tatum returns, the Celtics will be in prime position to reemerge as a championship contender.
Now, with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White still in town, that seems unlikely to be the team’s first option. However, some fans want the team to try and tank for homegrown prospect AJ Dybantsa, especially after an absurd photo of his vertical jump surfaced on social media.
After this photo popped up, fans from Boston quickly began urging Stevens to tank for Dybantsa. @CelticsUnite18 said, “Brad Stevens, please tell me you know the mission,” after seeing the Brockton, MA native’s unique athleticism.
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@BiggLynch confidently declared Dybantsa a “Celtic” after seeing this photo, while @BigKdawg095 is already daydreaming his fit alongside Tatum, saying, “Him and Jayson Tatum gone be playing together soon.”
After starring during his time in high school at Utah Prep Academy, Dybantsa committed to BYU back in December. The top of the 2026 draft class is stacked, but many folks believe Dybantsa will eventually become the No. 1 overall pick.
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The Celtics missed out on another local star prospect in Cooper Flagg this offseason, but could things be different with Dybantsa? How Boston fares in the upcoming campaign could ultimately determine whether these dreams become a reality.
Featured image via Jason Snow/Imagn Images
